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A Thousand Tiny Disappointments: an emotional novel about loss, guilt and making the right choices
"A thoroughly gripping story about grief [and] unexpected friendship . . . Sarah Edghill knows how to pinpoint what goes on in families." --Rachel Joyce, author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
Martha is being pulled in too many directions, trying to be a good mother, a loving wife, and a dutiful daughter. Despite it all, she's coping. But then her elderly mother is rushed to the hospital and dies unexpectedly, and the cracks in the life Martha is struggling to hold together are about to be exposed.
When she discovers her mother has left her house to a stranger, she's overwhelmed by grief and hurt. Getting no support from her disinterested husband or arrogant brother, Martha goes on to make some bad decisions.
If she were a good daughter, she would abide by her mother's final wishes. If she were a good daughter, she wouldn't destroy the evidence . . .
Martha is being pulled in too many directions, trying to be a good mother, a loving wife, and a dutiful daughter. Despite it all, she's coping. But then her elderly mother is rushed to the hospital and dies unexpectedly, and the cracks in the life Martha is struggling to hold together are about to be exposed.
When she discovers her mother has left her house to a stranger, she's overwhelmed by grief and hurt. Getting no support from her disinterested husband or arrogant brother, Martha goes on to make some bad decisions.
If she were a good daughter, she would abide by her mother's final wishes. If she were a good daughter, she wouldn't destroy the evidence . . .
300 pages, Paperback
Published September 7, 2021
53 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 21, 2021
Very often the books we read about the break down of relationships involve some kind of huge event that is the catalyst for a marriage to explode. An affair, a lie, a deception – murder, madness and mayhem are the order of the day in fiction. Entertaining for sure, but very far from reality for most of us.
The truth of the disintegration of love is usual much less exciting. A gradual erosion of affection by the endless daily grind of life and the small, personal but no less difficult, struggles of ordinary people. This is the world that Sarah Edghill reflects in her novel, A Thousand Tiny Disappointments, and this will make the book all the more relatable for the majority of its readers.
Whilst I myself have not dealt with the particular problems Martha and Simon are dealing with in this story, I recognised my story so clearly between the pages. A personal tragedy that does not lead immediately to crisis and divorce, but which changes two people, to which two people react so differently, that eventually they become so separated there is no way back. The story was so familiar that I felt seen, and it made me immensely sad. This story is a fact for so many people, I know another friend of mine who will be able to relate to it herself, because of a different set of circumstances. The fact that it will be so familiar to so many is very sad in itself.
Sarah Edghill has captured here a very truthful portrayal of the life of an ordinary middle-aged woman. There isn’t anything particularly extraordinary about Martha or her life, which is why she will feel like so many of us. Her life isn’t terrible, or great. She has difficult things to deal with in her family, but also a life that some would envy and good friends. She makes some poor decisions in the face of adversity, just as we all have, but then her conscience kicks in and she tries to right the wrongs she has caused, just as we all hope we would. She has fraught family relationships, insecurities, delays in facing up to reality. She is so the every woman, it is a brilliant portrayal.
Despite the fact this book made me feel quite melancholy, I enjoyed it for its honesty and accuracy. I was with Martha every step of the way, feeling as she felt, crying and laughing with her. I was hugely cheering with her on the very last page for her final act of the book (which you’ll have to read if you want to know what I’m talking about!) Martha is me, you and every one else.
This book is a great achievement in truthfully reflecting modern life for the average woman of today. I defy you to read it and not feel moved. This is the kind of stuff I love to read. Bravo, Sarah.
The truth of the disintegration of love is usual much less exciting. A gradual erosion of affection by the endless daily grind of life and the small, personal but no less difficult, struggles of ordinary people. This is the world that Sarah Edghill reflects in her novel, A Thousand Tiny Disappointments, and this will make the book all the more relatable for the majority of its readers.
Whilst I myself have not dealt with the particular problems Martha and Simon are dealing with in this story, I recognised my story so clearly between the pages. A personal tragedy that does not lead immediately to crisis and divorce, but which changes two people, to which two people react so differently, that eventually they become so separated there is no way back. The story was so familiar that I felt seen, and it made me immensely sad. This story is a fact for so many people, I know another friend of mine who will be able to relate to it herself, because of a different set of circumstances. The fact that it will be so familiar to so many is very sad in itself.
Sarah Edghill has captured here a very truthful portrayal of the life of an ordinary middle-aged woman. There isn’t anything particularly extraordinary about Martha or her life, which is why she will feel like so many of us. Her life isn’t terrible, or great. She has difficult things to deal with in her family, but also a life that some would envy and good friends. She makes some poor decisions in the face of adversity, just as we all have, but then her conscience kicks in and she tries to right the wrongs she has caused, just as we all hope we would. She has fraught family relationships, insecurities, delays in facing up to reality. She is so the every woman, it is a brilliant portrayal.
Despite the fact this book made me feel quite melancholy, I enjoyed it for its honesty and accuracy. I was with Martha every step of the way, feeling as she felt, crying and laughing with her. I was hugely cheering with her on the very last page for her final act of the book (which you’ll have to read if you want to know what I’m talking about!) Martha is me, you and every one else.
This book is a great achievement in truthfully reflecting modern life for the average woman of today. I defy you to read it and not feel moved. This is the kind of stuff I love to read. Bravo, Sarah.
June 19, 2022
I’d like to thank Sarah Edghill for contacting me to review her debut.
From the beginning it is clear that Martha is being pulled in too many directions and is very lacking in support. She has a 5 year old son with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, maintains a full time job and is trying to hold her marriage together. When her mother, Judith, suddenly dies this tips things over the edge for Martha and we watch her slowly start to spiral.
At times of grief you expect everyone around you to rally together but for a lot of the characters it came across that Judith’s death was an inconvenience! Martha’s husband Simon and her brother Patrick were two characters that infuriated me and I found myself wanting to jump inside the book and knock some sense into the pair of them. I couldn’t believe how they treated Martha and how much pressure they put on her. Perhaps the worst of all of them was Claudia. It’s always nice to know you’ve got someone in your corner defending you and holding your secrets but sadly Martha invested her time in the wrong friendship.
When Martha discovers the codicil in her mother’s possessions things start to get really interesting and from there quite a few characters show their true colours. I was intrigued to see what Martha would do and how she would justify her final decision.
This was an emotional and beautiful story that explored not just grief but family dynamics. Sara Edghill makes us question our own morals and ask ourselves what we would do if we were in Martha’s situation? I’m very keen to see what Sarah Edghill produces next and luckily enough I don’t have to wait too long because her next book is next up on the reading pile! Stay tuned for the review of that one.
From the beginning it is clear that Martha is being pulled in too many directions and is very lacking in support. She has a 5 year old son with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, maintains a full time job and is trying to hold her marriage together. When her mother, Judith, suddenly dies this tips things over the edge for Martha and we watch her slowly start to spiral.
At times of grief you expect everyone around you to rally together but for a lot of the characters it came across that Judith’s death was an inconvenience! Martha’s husband Simon and her brother Patrick were two characters that infuriated me and I found myself wanting to jump inside the book and knock some sense into the pair of them. I couldn’t believe how they treated Martha and how much pressure they put on her. Perhaps the worst of all of them was Claudia. It’s always nice to know you’ve got someone in your corner defending you and holding your secrets but sadly Martha invested her time in the wrong friendship.
When Martha discovers the codicil in her mother’s possessions things start to get really interesting and from there quite a few characters show their true colours. I was intrigued to see what Martha would do and how she would justify her final decision.
This was an emotional and beautiful story that explored not just grief but family dynamics. Sara Edghill makes us question our own morals and ask ourselves what we would do if we were in Martha’s situation? I’m very keen to see what Sarah Edghill produces next and luckily enough I don’t have to wait too long because her next book is next up on the reading pile! Stay tuned for the review of that one.
September 10, 2021
A beautiful and unflinching examination of family life and a woman who is crumbling.
Accomplished prose that has an intrinsic rhythm that make the words flow gently over the page and characters that are so real life like that you may think you know them. But mainly this book is about relationships and the many roles a woman plays.
Our relationships with our mothers are often complicated and fraught even when we love them deeply. So I was totally invested in the feeling of betrayal that Martha felt about her mother's decision and the guilt if she ignored her wishes. I would have felt exactly the same, especially when overcome with grief as well. Sarah artfully depicted this mix of emotions in Martha and I was thoroughly invested in her journey.
What made this book gorgeous to me and heart breaking was the relationship between Martha and her son. This was written with such delicacy, such raw emotion and love. I admired the way the author wrote the truth of such a relationship - the tiredness, isolation - yet still managed to convey the depth or emotion she had for her son and his wellbeing. It was truly beautiful and insightful. I am sure it will resonate with others that feel the same way.
Although dealing with grief, loss and self identity this book is ultimately uplifting and a story of finding one's own strength and self belief.
Accomplished prose that has an intrinsic rhythm that make the words flow gently over the page and characters that are so real life like that you may think you know them. But mainly this book is about relationships and the many roles a woman plays.
Our relationships with our mothers are often complicated and fraught even when we love them deeply. So I was totally invested in the feeling of betrayal that Martha felt about her mother's decision and the guilt if she ignored her wishes. I would have felt exactly the same, especially when overcome with grief as well. Sarah artfully depicted this mix of emotions in Martha and I was thoroughly invested in her journey.
What made this book gorgeous to me and heart breaking was the relationship between Martha and her son. This was written with such delicacy, such raw emotion and love. I admired the way the author wrote the truth of such a relationship - the tiredness, isolation - yet still managed to convey the depth or emotion she had for her son and his wellbeing. It was truly beautiful and insightful. I am sure it will resonate with others that feel the same way.
Although dealing with grief, loss and self identity this book is ultimately uplifting and a story of finding one's own strength and self belief.
December 29, 2021
I have to first admit, I was gifted an ARC of this book quite some time ago but I've only just found the time to dedicate to read in it.
Wish I'd read it sooner!
A Thousand Tiny Disappointments is a novel that cleverly reflects modern life for an average woman of today.
Sarah writes about Martha. A wife, a mother, a friend.
The story in short:
Martha and her husband have a child, a dream come true for many. However, he is profoundly disabled. Martha is devoted to both her son and her husband (who is becoming more distant) but isn't as focused on looking after her own wellbeing. As if life wasn't hard enough, her mum ends up in hospital after having a fall, and complications from this lead to her unexpected passing. Martha her brother later find out that their mother has left their family home to her dog walker. It's the final straw in a long line of disappointments and stresses. Martha is left feeling alone and struggling with her grief, not only about her mum and the decisions she made but also about her son. What does the future hold for her?
This is an honest and truthful portrayal of a middle aged woman.
It isn't some fast-paced drama, this a slow building tale of about nothing extraordinary and for me, that was utterly refreshing. Instead of a focus on something unrealistic, Edghill instead allowed me as the reader to fully absorb the normality of it all.
There is a raw emotion contained within this book, nothing is sugar coated. This was particularly true when looking at the relationship between Martha and her son. Through the tiredness and isolation also came compassion and care. It wasn't black and white, the detail given to it all really tugged at my heart because the over-riding feeling was always love.
Insecurities are shown and poor decisions are made and for this I was grateful. It showed that Martha was indeed human.
Mistakes sometimes need to happen in order for someone to gain clarity and perspective.
A Thousand Tiny Disappointments was anything but disappointing. Melancholy, throughout, I was actually left satisfied and strangely comforted.
A beautifully sensitive story.
Wish I'd read it sooner!
A Thousand Tiny Disappointments is a novel that cleverly reflects modern life for an average woman of today.
Sarah writes about Martha. A wife, a mother, a friend.
The story in short:
Martha and her husband have a child, a dream come true for many. However, he is profoundly disabled. Martha is devoted to both her son and her husband (who is becoming more distant) but isn't as focused on looking after her own wellbeing. As if life wasn't hard enough, her mum ends up in hospital after having a fall, and complications from this lead to her unexpected passing. Martha her brother later find out that their mother has left their family home to her dog walker. It's the final straw in a long line of disappointments and stresses. Martha is left feeling alone and struggling with her grief, not only about her mum and the decisions she made but also about her son. What does the future hold for her?
This is an honest and truthful portrayal of a middle aged woman.
It isn't some fast-paced drama, this a slow building tale of about nothing extraordinary and for me, that was utterly refreshing. Instead of a focus on something unrealistic, Edghill instead allowed me as the reader to fully absorb the normality of it all.
There is a raw emotion contained within this book, nothing is sugar coated. This was particularly true when looking at the relationship between Martha and her son. Through the tiredness and isolation also came compassion and care. It wasn't black and white, the detail given to it all really tugged at my heart because the over-riding feeling was always love.
Insecurities are shown and poor decisions are made and for this I was grateful. It showed that Martha was indeed human.
Mistakes sometimes need to happen in order for someone to gain clarity and perspective.
A Thousand Tiny Disappointments was anything but disappointing. Melancholy, throughout, I was actually left satisfied and strangely comforted.
A beautifully sensitive story.
November 21, 2021
A Thousand Tiny Disappointments tells the story of Martha, whose life begins to fall apart following the death of her mother (not a spoiler, it’s on the back of the book!). To be fair though, Martha would probably admit her life was already unravelling before this huge event.
She discovers her mother has left het house to a stranger & Martha is confused as to why her mother would do this. She has little support from her husband or brother & is trying to juggle all of this with a son who needs lots of care & a friend who has betrayed her.
This book brought out a fair bit of emotion in me as I’m currently going through my own struggles. I very much felt the emotion in Martha in feeling alone - she’s surrounded by lots of people who are supposed to love her, yet she feels incredibly alone. Does no one else see things the way she does?
A Thousand Tiny Disappointments is easy to read, flows well & the feelings of grief & frustration are portrayed accurately. It was thought provoking for me too, helping to put some of what’s happening in my own life into perspective.
She discovers her mother has left het house to a stranger & Martha is confused as to why her mother would do this. She has little support from her husband or brother & is trying to juggle all of this with a son who needs lots of care & a friend who has betrayed her.
This book brought out a fair bit of emotion in me as I’m currently going through my own struggles. I very much felt the emotion in Martha in feeling alone - she’s surrounded by lots of people who are supposed to love her, yet she feels incredibly alone. Does no one else see things the way she does?
A Thousand Tiny Disappointments is easy to read, flows well & the feelings of grief & frustration are portrayed accurately. It was thought provoking for me too, helping to put some of what’s happening in my own life into perspective.
November 15, 2021
I’m honestly not sure I’ve ever read such a book with such a relatable character! Martha is doing her best as a mum, daughter, wife and employee but constantly feels like she’s failing, with everyone having such high demands of her that she can never fully meet. Such an accurate portrayal of the life of a busy mum and all the expectations people have of women. In particular the portrayal of her relationship with her son is excellent (I was particularly amused at the constant desire to check her husband had done things correctly according to their routine etc because that is so me…).
Would definitely recommend. I only didn’t score it 5 stars because it’s such an accurate portrayal that I found it a bit stressful at times - not much of an escape from the day to day!
Would definitely recommend. I only didn’t score it 5 stars because it’s such an accurate portrayal that I found it a bit stressful at times - not much of an escape from the day to day!
October 5, 2021
I did not like this at all. What a bunch of unpleasant, neurotic and narcissistic people it deals with. There is only one redeeming character in the whole book, Alice, who plays a secondary role. They all became slightly human about 20 pages from the end, too late for me. You would think a character who has lost her mother suddenly, has a disabled son and a crumbling marriage would be sympathetic. Not to me. I kept turning the pages as I don't like to abandon a book. Apparently written during lockdown, I wish the author had stuck to Netflix. A thousand tiny disappointments indeed.
September 23, 2023
This book, while well written and easy to read, is incredibly depressing. Plus, the characters, other than Martha, were a little too cliche. I stuck with it, though, and felt it was being resolved on basically a positive note, but the ending left me cold. Not that I have to have a happy ending, and many of the books I cherish do not, but this one was just flat for me and left me not liking the main character at all. I did give it 3 stars, as up until the end, I was intrigued by the story, but I'll be honest, I find myself unable to recommend it.
October 3, 2021
Such a powerful book for modern times.
Just the title resonates with so many. Our expectations of a life we have yet to live, the disappointments, the grief felt for the life we anticipate that doesn’t materialise.
Definitely an author to keep on the radar.
I hope this book brings comfort to the many people who, though circumstances may be different, will understand that there’s is not the only story.
Wonderful writing. So happy to have found this author and her beautiful book.
Just the title resonates with so many. Our expectations of a life we have yet to live, the disappointments, the grief felt for the life we anticipate that doesn’t materialise.
Definitely an author to keep on the radar.
I hope this book brings comfort to the many people who, though circumstances may be different, will understand that there’s is not the only story.
Wonderful writing. So happy to have found this author and her beautiful book.
March 13, 2023
This has to be the most depressing book I've ever read. While the writing is fine, the subject matter just seems to go from one depressing moment to another. The main character's husband is such a jerk that you want her to throw him out asap. Her brother is equally a jerk and you wonder why she wants a relationship with him at all. Throw in a death, a shocking addition to the will, and you'll want to throw in the towel completely. The ending has some redeeming factors if you can hang on.
October 17, 2021
Thought provoking read on so many levels.
A gentle read following a short period of Martha’s life that involves grief on so many levels. Great novel, I look forward to reading more from this author.
A gentle read following a short period of Martha’s life that involves grief on so many levels. Great novel, I look forward to reading more from this author.
October 30, 2021
I didn't want to end this book but I wanted to get to the end. Wonderfully formed characters going through challenging times but never once did I feel depressed or anxious when reading it. Loved the writing style and thoroughly enjoyed the book. I am excited for Sarah Edghill's next book
August 5, 2022
Really didn't enjoy this book - never felt it went anywhere and there was nothing likeable about any of the characters - all felt very superficial to me.
September 18, 2021
A family drama novel and one I really enjoyed. A well written and emotional story about Martha, her family and friends. Good characterisations, although there are not many nice characters; Martha herself is a bit of a misnomer. She seems a bit downtrodden, always trying to please everyone whilst putting on a act of being cool and in control when she really isn’t.
Briefly, Martha and her husband have a beautiful child. However, he is profoundly disabled and whilst Martha is devoted to him her husband is becoming more and more distant. When her mother is taken into hospital after having a fall, and unexpectedly dies, Martha her brother meet at their mothers bungalow and are shocked to find a codicil to her will leaving the house to her dog walker. Martha is struggling with her grief at her mother’s death, hurt at the change is her will and devastated that her son may be moving to a residential home. Without thinking of the consequences Martha makes a decision she later regrets. Will she do ‘the right thing’?
A thought provoking read but quite slow paced although that suited this book. Martha confusion about the right thing to do is understandable in the context of her grief and disappointment that her mother seems to have chosen a virtual stranger over her. A satisfying read and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, Martha and her husband have a beautiful child. However, he is profoundly disabled and whilst Martha is devoted to him her husband is becoming more and more distant. When her mother is taken into hospital after having a fall, and unexpectedly dies, Martha her brother meet at their mothers bungalow and are shocked to find a codicil to her will leaving the house to her dog walker. Martha is struggling with her grief at her mother’s death, hurt at the change is her will and devastated that her son may be moving to a residential home. Without thinking of the consequences Martha makes a decision she later regrets. Will she do ‘the right thing’?
A thought provoking read but quite slow paced although that suited this book. Martha confusion about the right thing to do is understandable in the context of her grief and disappointment that her mother seems to have chosen a virtual stranger over her. A satisfying read and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 14, 2021
This would be better titled 'Several Enormous Disappointments.' It is primarily about loss, loss of a parent, loss of an imagined future with a 'normal' family, loss of a friend, and the end of a marriage, so not the jolliest subject material and it's a quick read - it only took me a few hours. Having said that it's nicely written and the experience of having a seriously handicapped child is particularly well handled. Negatives for me were the male characters who were thinly drawn and strayed dangerously close to cliche - the hot single Dad at music therapy, the grumpy husband who is more interested in work and football than his family. I also wish older women weren't always portrayed as belonging to the WI, wearing tan tights and having houses full of bric a brac. Times are changing and writers need to change with them and none more so than writers of this kind of domestic fiction. Overall a solid three and a half stars which isn't bad considering this isn't the sort of book I normally read.
September 15, 2021
Sarah Edghill's novel describing a daughter's grief at the loss of her dearly loved Mum really struck a chord. The description of Martha's rush to the hospital to be at her Mother's side really tugged at the heart strings. Martha is pulled in all directions and as the story unfolds it is clear that her life has not been easy and that she is about to face some difficult decisions, not just about finding the codicil to her mother's will but also her strained relationship with her brother and the important question of her son, Joe's need to go to residential school. Her marriage to Simon is disintegrating and it is clear that she can no longer ignore her mother's wishes.
A Thousand Tiny Disappointments has well written characters and it's a great first novel which reminded me of books written by Joanna Trollope as the family relationships are so well observed.
Thank you Bloodhound Books for an ARC of this novel.
A Thousand Tiny Disappointments has well written characters and it's a great first novel which reminded me of books written by Joanna Trollope as the family relationships are so well observed.
Thank you Bloodhound Books for an ARC of this novel.
September 21, 2021
This story is coming out S she September 21, 2021. This is a story about a woman, name Martha. Martha is a wife, mother, and a daughter. She takes her responsible seriously in her relationship to the people she loves. Martha mother, Judith had a accident she falling. in a short period of time her mother received broken bones ,her breathing was restricted, and her urine was going into a bag. and she have to bath from a bowl. Judith is a that was always self sufficient capable of taking care of herself, Martha understood her mother. She had tragic new her mother died. There are other people inside this wonderful book, Simon, Joe, Claudia, Patrick, Alice, Gracie, Helen and other people inside this delightful. If you like a story of sometimes bad happen for the greater good. This is about finding a new way to handle what not working . To find the positive, and the truth let you be free kind of way. I enjoyed this story and reading about Martha.
September 21, 2021
This story is coming out September 21, 2021, This is about a woman who is a wife, mother, and a daughter. She have so much in her life to do, she always busy, with her family and friendship. She also had her mother Judith. Her mother has a accident, she had broken bones, bruises, a hard time breathing, have to urine in a plastic bag, and can't bath herself, so she in a bowl and nurses. Martha and her mum Judith. As you read this woman life she caring, kind, a person that hard to ask for but so giving of herself. As you read life will change , because of her mother died. I enjoy this book. Bad comes, also sometime the good to we do not see. I know how your life changes, so you can confront what not work anywhere in your life, more for you to change. This tells more then a mother, or mum death, but also to grieve for the person that you lost, dealing or being so busy with life, you lose so one important yourself. I enjoyed this book.
August 24, 2021
Martha's mum passes away unexpectedly. When she and her brother Patrick are looking for legal paperwork at her mother's home, they find out that she has left her house to someone other than them. What follows is Martha's battle with her conscience, and an insight into decisions made, whether for good or bad.
I found this a very difficult book to read. It felt like it dragged on, saying and doing very little in the main. I didn't really like the leading character, she irritated me. The supporting characters were also in general an annoying bunch - although I did like the quiet and helpful Alice. I'll admit to skim reading vast swathes of the book, and don't feel I missed out on much in doing so. However, Martha's relationship with her son Joe was very sweet, and her struggles with him were emotionally handled.
I found this a very difficult book to read. It felt like it dragged on, saying and doing very little in the main. I didn't really like the leading character, she irritated me. The supporting characters were also in general an annoying bunch - although I did like the quiet and helpful Alice. I'll admit to skim reading vast swathes of the book, and don't feel I missed out on much in doing so. However, Martha's relationship with her son Joe was very sweet, and her struggles with him were emotionally handled.
September 14, 2021
A poignant and emotional read!
'A Thousand Tiny Disappointments' takes you on an emotional roller coaster of a journey dealing with grief, loss and a building of self-esteem. The title intrigued me and as I read further into the story, it became clear how apt it was. It's a hard read at times; you feel for the main character, Martha, as she becomes physically and mentally exhausted by the demands put upon her. The relationship with her son, Joe, is beautifully described. The author creates authentic, multi-layered characters. The role of women as portrayed in both the characters of Martha and Alice as well as Martha's dilemma to do the right thing are two of a number of themes explored in the novel, resulting in a thought-provoking read. I particularly liked the uplifting ending that made this a satisfying and enjoyable novel. Highly recommended.
'A Thousand Tiny Disappointments' takes you on an emotional roller coaster of a journey dealing with grief, loss and a building of self-esteem. The title intrigued me and as I read further into the story, it became clear how apt it was. It's a hard read at times; you feel for the main character, Martha, as she becomes physically and mentally exhausted by the demands put upon her. The relationship with her son, Joe, is beautifully described. The author creates authentic, multi-layered characters. The role of women as portrayed in both the characters of Martha and Alice as well as Martha's dilemma to do the right thing are two of a number of themes explored in the novel, resulting in a thought-provoking read. I particularly liked the uplifting ending that made this a satisfying and enjoyable novel. Highly recommended.
September 22, 2021
Martha has a lot to deal with in her life; as the story develops we learn of her deep love for and the difficulties of bringing up a disabled child, however her husband finds it extremely hard to cope and this begins to crack their marriage. I found this part of the story particularly emotional and thought it was dealt with beautifully. The shock of Martha’s mother, Judith suddenly dying brings to the fore her feelings of anxiety and breaks Martha’s veneer of managing. Add in the discovery that her mother wanted to leave the house to her dog sitter, then Martha’s unhappy relationship with her brother also suffers with the strain.
I thought this was a lovely and well written emotional story. The finality of death brings a reminder that then it’s too late to talk any more.
I thought this was a lovely and well written emotional story. The finality of death brings a reminder that then it’s too late to talk any more.
September 20, 2021
Totally absorbing and well written debut book.
Martha who already bears the weight of the world on her shoulders finds herself rushing to her mothers side when she has a fall.
Judith has broken her hip and is waiting on an operation. So in the meantime Martha goes to her mothers bungalow which is where she meets the dog walker Alice.
Who is Alice? And on her mothers passing why has she inherited her mothers bungalow?
This is a story of family and friendship and everything that involves.
It is a story of superstition and accusations. Realisations and love.
I became totally absorbed and involved in the storyline, and felt invested in Martha’s story. Each of the character brought something to it.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Martha who already bears the weight of the world on her shoulders finds herself rushing to her mothers side when she has a fall.
Judith has broken her hip and is waiting on an operation. So in the meantime Martha goes to her mothers bungalow which is where she meets the dog walker Alice.
Who is Alice? And on her mothers passing why has she inherited her mothers bungalow?
This is a story of family and friendship and everything that involves.
It is a story of superstition and accusations. Realisations and love.
I became totally absorbed and involved in the storyline, and felt invested in Martha’s story. Each of the character brought something to it.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
September 11, 2021
This was a beautiful yet emotional read of loss love and grief and how Martha has to deal with the sudden death of her mum and all of the decisions and emotions that come with it at the same time as dealing with her own family and failing marriage and the sometimes heart wrenching and heartbreaking decisions she has to make along the way. This book really makes you stop and think about what you would do in this situation or what decisions others would make with the moral dilemma that Martha ends up being faced with. Does she abide by her mother’s wishes or not that is the question?
This was my first book by this author and won’t be my last.
This was my first book by this author and won’t be my last.
September 13, 2021
When Martha's mom passes away unexpectedly her death brings to Martha not only grief, but also anger and lots of inner reflection.
Martha has to deal with the fallout of her mother's deal, her brother's reaction to it, the crumbling of her marriage and the taking care of her special needs son.
Martha is not a likable character, at times I wanted to shout to her about the choices she was making and the way she was behaving.
Even though the theme and premise of the book are very interesting it drags a lot, there are whole sections that felt slow.
Martha has to deal with the fallout of her mother's deal, her brother's reaction to it, the crumbling of her marriage and the taking care of her special needs son.
Martha is not a likable character, at times I wanted to shout to her about the choices she was making and the way she was behaving.
Even though the theme and premise of the book are very interesting it drags a lot, there are whole sections that felt slow.
September 19, 2021
"A Thousand Tiny Disappointments" is one of those books that had me whispering "Oh no, oh dear, uh oh" on a loop. Anyone who doesn't feel for Martha either isn't human or has led an entirely charmed life. This is written brilliantly, the story is solid and so very believable, and every character reminded me of someone I know. I've come away with a gentle reminder to maybe take care of myself a little more...
My thanks to the author. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
September 21, 2021
I enjoyed this roller coaster of emotions of a story. This author is new for me, I look forward to seeing what is next for her. This is a story that pulled me in from the beginning. It is a story written with a lot of heart and soul. This is a story about grief and friendship. The characters are connectable and brought life to the story on each page. I enjoyed the growth of the plot throughout the story. I highly recommend this book. Find out if one daughter will do as her mother wishes or will she destroy evidence that could change things forever. Great story!
September 4, 2021
The grass isn't always greener on the other side. Sarah Edghill captures the reality of life telling the story of Martha, an average woman with a fairly average life who has to deal with an unexpected family issue, and her life choices become suddenly very complicated. This book handles a variety of difficult family dynamics and misconceptions with sensitivity and understanding.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2021
This was more of a 2.5 stars for me as there seemed to be part of the book that sort of faltered and fell flat along the way. This book reflects upon the sudden, unexpected loss of a parent as well as the losses in life along the way and how it affects a person. This was a quick read and did keep me engrossed but it's not one I'd read again.
August 25, 2021
This story is about a dilemma faced by Martha and her brother when they find their Mother has left her home to a young girl she has befriended. Do they hide the evidence and inherit themselves or go along with their Mother’s wishes. A lovely story of the struggles that grief brings along.
September 6, 2021
A thought provoking book about family members coming to terms with the death of a parent and of the emotions this creates. This book makes you query how you would face the problems if faced with same situation, can you be sure you would make the right decision?
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